NDSU Press publications finalists for regional awards

The finalists include “Still,” by Rebecca E. Bender and Kenneth M. Bender, in the Religion/Philosophy category; “Stringing Rosaries,” by Denise Lajimodiere, in the Social Science/Political Science/Culture History-Regional and Design-Cover Design categories; and “Hunter’s Log: Volumes II & III,” poems by Timothy Murphy, in the Poetry-Regional category.

The awards program is organized by the Midwest Independent Publishers Association, and recognizes quality in independent publishing in the region.

“This has been another fabulous year for NDSU Press to be recognized for our publications,” said Suzzanne Kelley, NDSU Press editor-in-chief. “As a regional press, it is especially rewarding to garner medals in multiple categories from MIPA, which solicits nominations from a 12-state region. Whether we take home the Gold or the Silver for each of these finalists, they are winners in our books. Literally.”

The 30th annual competition was open to books published and copyrighted in 2019 in the region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

This year’s competition had 221 entries in 31 categories, which were judged by a panel of 99 librarians and booksellers from every state in the Midwestern region.

Due to COVID-19, winners will be announced during a free, online watch party on Facebook scheduled for Saturday, June 27, at 7 p.m. There will be book prizes for attendees and a special segment by independent booksellers on how to support them during the pandemic.

“Although we are disappointed to cancel our gala this year, we are excited for the potential to attract a larger audience who can help make this a truly regional event that celebrates Midwestern publishing,” said Jennifer Baum, chair of the Midwest Book Awards.

Follow @MIPAMidwestBookAwards on Facebook for updates on how to join the online awards event.

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